[buzz_knox]

It seems that most full size revolvers are now made with adjustable sights only. Personally, I've grown rather fond of the fixed sight variety. So, can the adjustable sight on a Smith, for example, be removed, the sight channel opened up and regulated, and the front sight rib removed?

[Lone Star]

Buzz, you're the first person that I know of to ask. Usually, they want to go the other way.

Assuming that what you suggest could be done, the front sight height would be an issue.

S&W still makes their M&P (Models 10, 13, 65, etc.) as fixed sight guns. If you want a .44 or .45, might better look for an old one!

Hey: pop over to www.smith-wessonforum.com and hit the forum for revolvers made from 1857-1945. Then click on the thread for the Triple Lock shipped in 1912. Photos: isn't that a TERRIFIC gun? WOW, I wish they still made 'em that well, but of modern steels and heat-treatment!

Lone Star

[buzz_knox]

I recently picked up a 13 and a Brazilian contract 1917, which is what got me thinking. I've found that with most .44 or .45 revolvers, the sight picture is a bit elevated due to the adjustable sights, so I can't get my usual hold. With the fixed sights, that problem doesn't exist. Thus, my interest.

I'm looking for a Model 58 right now, and I'd love to find two of them, one for conversion into a .45 Colt/.45 ACP carry job.

[Lone Star]

Sounds like you've got some good guns there!


For what it may be worth, I once shot an M58 with smooth Pearlite grips and with full .41 loads, it was probably the nastiest-kicking revolver that I've ever fired! Certainly, worse than my M29 .44 Mag.

Lone Star
P.S. I handled at a gun show - but didn't fire -an M58 that the late Maj. George Nonte, a once-prolific gun writer, converted to .45 Colt. It had a letter from him, too. I read the article in which he featured that gun. So, it can be done.

[VictorLouis]

When you remove the adj. sight from a S&W, the resulting channel makes for a huge, easy to see, fixed rear sight. The front sight would no doubt have to be altered for elevation, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. You may lose some accuracy, due to the wide channel, but I don't see how it would be any worse than the 'express' sights that are becoming popular.

[CTgunteacher]

Buzz,

Cylinder and Slide offers an "Extreme Duty" fixed sight, that converts an adjustable-sighted revolver to fixed. Check it out at www.cylinder-slide.com/sites.htm. Looking at the photos, I'm not sure this will lower your sight height, but it might be worth a look.

Mike

[Jim March]

When you post a URL, please don't "break it" by adding a period at the end. The URL you meant to post was:

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/sites.htm

The forum software will automatically convert that to a clickable link, but it'll be a broken link if there's a period at the end.

[Albert Shear]

Buzz, what revolvers other than a M58 were you interested in?
In K frame there are 10's,13's, 64's, 65's. In N frame, other than the 58 you might find a S&W M520. These were the same as M28's but with fixed sights,4" 357mag. I forgot how many were built for the NYSP who then cancelled the contract. You can find them though.

[Al Thompson]

FWIW, you can drive down to Louisville and get a Bowen conversion done. Jim Stroh in Atlanta may do some of these conversions as well.

[fallingblock]

I've done that very modification on a 625:D

I also shortened the barrel to 3.5" which made for a very slick and snag-free "N" frame.

I had a local machine shop mill a 1/8" 'keyway' for the front sight and used a 'friction' fit blade in it.

The resulting sight picture was a bit 'coarse', but shot as well as the original adj. to 25 yards. It was, as someone has said, not much different than the 'express' sights being offered. :)

[buzz_knox]

I cannot believe I forgot about Bowen. I live less than 15 miles from Louisville and I still forgot! Agghhh!